Wanted - Disappearing authors

Calling all authors...

Where are you???

I sort of feel like that British Airways commercial that has the person walking around the empty streets wondering where all of the people disappeared to. In this case though, I am referrring to the writers that pitch to an editor or agent and then fail to submit material.

When you talk to editors and agents, many hope to find something unique when they listen to pitches at conventions, but in reality, they fully expect to not find anything. Why? Because they know good and well that half of the writers out there, after receiving permission to send material to that editor or agent, fail to send anything. The same goes for those people that send in a pitch via snail mail or email and then don't hear back.

When I mention this to writers, I often hear people scream, "You have to be kidding. Writers fight for a request so why don't they follow through?" The answer is simple.

1) The writer is not ready.
2) The writer really wasn't interested in that editor or agent.

Let me explain both and then send out a plea.

Writers will often pitch stories to editors and agents when the story is far from ready. All of a sudden they have a request for a full and then panic. The deal is these writers should never be pitching in the first place. When you sign up for a pitch session, you need to be fully ready to make the jump to the professional world of publishing. No, the book doesn't need to go to the critique group one more time. No, you don't need to read it through one more time. No, you don't need to finish writing. It needs to be done. Simple as that.

I do know that many authors will tell you to just lie when you pitch. They aren't going to get to reading it for a long time so you have time. No, you don't have time. When we request, we expect to see that manuscript within a week or two, depending on mail service. Sure, it may take us a while to get to reading it, but we still record when that story showed up. If it took you 6 months to follow through on a submission, you are sending the wrong message.

Now the second reason for someone not submitting deals with people not having that editor or agent on the top of their list. Look, if you have a choice of three agents at a conference to pitch to, don't just sign up with someone that you really don't want to work with. Not only have you wasted the time of the editor or agent at that conference, you have also taken up a slot that someone else might have wanted and could have used.

The same goes for sending out pitches to editors or agents via email or snail mail. If you send a query to me, I am fully expecting that you really do want to work with me here at Greyhaus. I don't want to hear that I am your 3rd choice out there. I know other agents feel the same way. I was just talking to a colleague who really hates seeing a writer move from one agent to the next during a conference pitch session. In this case, the agent asked me, "How do I know where I am on that list? Am I just a fall back position?"

Of course I have heard authors provide a reason for doing this. They say, but you might not know what type of agent they are until you get working with them. This is a bunch of garbage. You should know. There is information out there. Do your research.

So again, I ask? If you have pitched to me at one time or another and haven't sent your stuff to me? Ask yourself why? You might even want to let me know. And yes, this includes that person from nationals LAST YEAR who was my first pitch doing the alternate history stories and I requested TWO FULLS! (I should note, I very rarely request this much).

Scott

It won't be your first

Talk to any published author and they will frequently tell you the same thing. It wasn't their first manuscript that sold. Often, it is their 7th, 10th or even their 15th that finally attracted the attention of the editor or agent. Is it because they are "paying their dues?"

Nope.

It is simply a matter that through all of their stories, they are finally finding their own voice and finding a way to tell the story naturally. They are learning the craft and learning about their own writing.

Beginning writers often have very forced stories. They go through the motions, they use their GMC worksheets and craft stories that have all the components they have learned from reading articles and attending workshops. Technically the story does what it is supposed to do, but it lacks the voice.

The reason I bring this up is to tell writers to keep on writing. So what if you get a rejection. Write a new story. Keep the stories going and you may find yourself being published. This business takes time.

Scott

But they have a copy editor?

Grammar is one of the most important tools any writer can have in their writer's toolbox. Actually, I should say a knowledge of good grammar. Remember, it is the grammar, the knowledge of spelling, punctuation, sentence construction and the like that controls what and how we read your stories. In the end, it doesn't matter how well developed your story is, if the grammar is detracting from the story, you will not make a sale.

Now, I should say that many agents, and even editors might night have a 100% grasp on all elements of grammar. In other words, they might miss those dangling participles, but they do have enough knowledge to see if a writer is missing the point. I for one can also tell if the only knowledge of grammar is that which comes from the use of a grammar and spell checker.

Let me say, that there is nothing wrong with either of these computer tools. Both have their benefits, if (A) the writer knows how to use each properly; and (B) if the writer has set the computer properly to cause both of the checkers to work correctly.

"What is that you say, they don't work correctly?" That's right. You have to understand how each works, and actually set each to do what you want them to do. This is especially true with the grammar checker. For most computers, the grammar checker isn't checking for all of the items that could potentially create problems. The default setting is pretty basic.

Along the same lines, the grammar checkers only state if there is a potential problem. It is your job to check and see if that is really the case. When writing fiction, this can be a serious problem considering your characters may speak in fragments or broken grammar. Still if the narratives and the other major elements of your story have problems, this is a sign to the editor and agent that you might not be fully ready for publishing.

I should also add that when I see poor grammar, or a lack of structural knowledge from a writer in the query letter or the packaging of the material sent to me, I have pretty much already decided that I won't sign that person. First impressions mean a lot and the issue with grammar and spelling is a huge red flag.

Sure, the publishers have copy editors but they are not there to fix the mistakes that you as a writer should have known and understood.

So, what is the best solution? If you are a writer that finds grammar and spelling to be difficult, it is time to start learning. This may include taking classes at the local college. I know that many of the community colleges offer basic grammar classes. Audit the class. Take it for a credit/no credit option. If course work is not your "cup of tea" then find a resource that would help. Personally, the best source I have found is A Writer's Reference by Diana Hacker. It is published by Bedford/St. Martins and I haven't found a question that can not be answered by this book. I know many look at this and say it doesn't deal with fiction, but I have to break it to you, there isn't much of a difference. I'm not talking about creating the story, I am talking about the basic rules of grammar that do not vary from one genre to the next.

I'll also throw this offer in. If you are a writing chapter and interested in a full day grammar workshop, I could put something together for you. Just let me know.

Now, go out their and get gooder with your speling.

On Grammar

I have been asked before about how much weight an editor or agent places on correct grammar and punctuation in a submission.

At first, I thought this was a bit strange but then, when we think about it a bit more, it is not that strange. Remember that editors (and some agents) have copy editors that are there to fine tune the writing and take care of those little errors. Agents as well know that when we look at a submission, we are looking at something that will likely be molded either before it is sent out, or at least tweaked a little during the submission process. So, hearing someone question the amount of emphasis placed on conventions is not strange.

But the answer is a very strong - YES! We do look at that grammar and punctuation and place a heavy emphasis on it. Why? It tells us if you are ready. It tells us if you know what you are doing.

Hallmark Cards says " When you care enough to send the very best." The same goes for your submission. Sending us a rough draft is far from professional. Sending us something that includes grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors (and yes, typos are included in this list), tells us that you have no idea how to deal with the basic rules of writing. In many cases, it simply says you relied on that spell checker and grammar checker (and don't get me started on that one).

The key is, yes, we know that there will be changes, but that first submission needs to be dang close to perfect. Your job, make it so.

Scott

Permission to write

Writing is fantastic! Unfortunately, we are too often caught up in the business side of things that we forget about the simple pleasures of writing. The human quality that comes out when we create something new. I sometimes believe it is this reason that we see so many writers simply fade away after a couple of books. Simply put - the joy is no longer there.

I bring this up, not so much for the published authors out there but the unpublished authors. I give you permission to simply write and not to worry about becoming published.

Consider the following:

If you are somone that enjoys the fellowship of your writing group and organization and that is your central drive, then just write for the sake of writing.

If you are someone that enjoys sharing your stories with friends and that is it, then just write for the sake of writing.

If you are someone that likes to dabble in all of the new genres out there, just to give it a try and explore, then just write for the sake of writing.

The thing is this. The writing world is open for everyone but everyone is not necessarily cut out to be a published author. You might be that person and there is no shame in being that person. I applaud you for standing up and saying out loud, I write as a hobby and darn it, I don't need to be a NY Times Best Selling Author.

(Of course, it a contract comes along, you might change your mind). But remember, even then, you don't have to accept it.

Keep writing fun. That is ultimately the key!

Ciao from Italia

I had a brief moment to write between sessions.

We were discussing contracts this morning and a couple of issues came up regarding what agents are looking for in contracts we negotiate. Nothing out of the ordinary here, but one issue that came up that we were all in agreement with was the issue of writers lack of an understanding of the business.

Now, do not get me wrong here. I understand that you have an agent to deal with the logistics and legalize, but you need to know the basics of what we can and can not ask for. It makes it really difficult to work with a writer that is really unaware of what the contract negotiations entail. This is something I have talked about for some time now - that being a writer needing to understand something of the business before jumping into it with both feet.

Remember that for most new writers, there is only so much we can negotiate. You simply do not have the numbers or the proof that you can produce. We will, however, do all that we can to get you the best deal.

Time to get to a new session.

Scott

Stop before you start

I know this sounds like a strange concept, but it really is something all writers should do before he or she begins any project. Before you do anything, whether it is begin a new writing project, send out submissions to editors, sign up for pitch sessions, enter contests, it doesn't matter, you need to simply stop and think.

Are you ready to do this. Have you clearly thought everything out or are you just running with an unbridled enthusiasm? If it is the later, you need to rein it in a bit and think.

In the last few weeks, I have seen a ton of writers sending me manuscripts for consideration that, if they had taken a few minutes, might be in a better place. Instead, that rush to "get published" only resulted in a rejection letter.

Look, you only get one chance at this. I mean it. That manuscript you send out, whether it is for a submission or a contest only has one chance with that one person. If you get a rejection for something really stupid, then there is nothing you can do about it.

This market is just too competitive right now and you can not afford to waste that one shot.

Do You Have A Plan B?

For most writers, I seriously doubt they have a Plan B in terms of their manuscripts and their careers. For the longest time, as they are working on that manuscript, they start formulating exactly where that story will go. They know which editor will look at it and how much they will get for it.

In most cases, this is simply a fantasy world the writer is living in. Now, don't get me wrong. I have no problem with having those dreams. Heck, some of those dreams do come true. But if they don't do you have a back up plan.

One of the things I focus on with each of my writers is always having a back up plan and several approaches they can take with their story. You all know how I have always said that a single story doesn't fit at all houses. Well, this is where that Plan B comes into play.

Your first task: Think of how you can adapt your story to fit at multiple houses and agencies.

Now, this Plan B thing works with pitches as well. There will be times when an editor or an agent listening to a pitch might not find that story you have to be exactly what they are looking for. This is when you need to have a Plan B in your pocket. If you have done your research, you will know the things this person is looking for and might have what they need in another manuscript. Please don't lie and tell them it is finished. If it is a WIP then tell them so but tell them when it will get done.

Your second task: Develop a list of all your projects in order of most complete to WIP. Develop 1 paragraph blurbs for each.

Finally, this Plan B thing works when you are writing. We are all familiar with Murphy's Law - if it can go wrong, it will go wrong. When it comes to your writing, even the best plans you have will likely get screwed up. Family, work, kids... all things that can not be controlled. So, develop that plan.

Your final task: Look at your writing schedule and find the times that you can shift your writing out for something else in the schedule. Flexibility is key.

Wanted - Fast Writers

I'm not going to take too much time on this one because I'm knee-deep in the middle of some projects...

Editors and agents want fast writers.

Here's the deal. Although editors may only want to produce one book of yours a year, they still would love to see things coming in fast. This means that you always have projects at various stages on their desks. Something in proposal, something you are writing, something that is in editing and something that is is production.

They are also eager to see how fast you can turn something around when revisions come in. In many cases, they will ask you how long it will take you. In reality, they have a deadline in their head and they dang well expect you to meet it. No excuses, no complaints.

I will say that this is one of the reasons I have a turn around time that is so fast for a request. If you submit to me, you have no more than 1 month to get the project to me. It is amazing how many people can't meet that deadline. I have to say that tells me a lot about that person as a writer.

One of my writers is currently writing for two houses. Juggling the deadlines for something like that can be tough. But, she does it. How? She works with a schedule and deadlines. After talking to her editors, she was able to lay out a year long writing schedule that will produce 6-8 books for two houses.

So, think about your production speed. Do you have what it takes? Do you have the time availability to produce like that? Are you ready to commit to that?

Scott

An Additional Thought on the Radar Theme

I knew I would end up wanting to add more to this and sure enough, here it is.

This really goes along with the idea of knowing if you are ready for an agent or not.

The successful writers out there are constantly producing. I hinted at this in the last post but I think it is important enough to put this in its own little section.
Those writers that are making it out there always have several projects in the works, and writing at many different phases. Let me give you a couple of examples from two writers in particular. You will notice a trend.

Writer A divides her time between 3 publishing houses. Each has different demands and focus. One is a bigger house that really only wants one story each year. This story is unique and the editor really likes to work through the process with the writer extensively. This house demands a lot of time but does so in blocks throughout the year. The second house she works with is a category house. This one is looking at fast turn arounds and roughly 3 a year. Finally, she has an electronic press that she does smaller works with.

Writer B divides her time between 2 publishing houses. Like Writer A, the demands are different. At one house, the push for completion is not so severe. When the stories get done, they get done. She is also at a Category house and is on the 3-4 book a year process.

Now, what you see with both is that they always have a project going. Writer A has one in the middle of a critique, 1 in a drafting phase and several on proposals. She also has a large stack of potential future projects for when the need arises.
Writer B has worked out a schedule (which we just finished yesterday) where she blocks out 3 month blocks for each publisher throughout the year to meet the needs of each editor. AND...like Writer A, she also has many projects that are "waiting the chance to be written."

I bring this up because these writers stay on the radar. There is always some element of their writing that I am working on with them.

Keep that in mind if you want to move to the professional realm of this business.

And by the way, if you want to read a great blog article on the role of an agent as a publicist, check out the Bookends Blog for today. (Great article Jessica!)

Scott

Do you know your grammar and spelling?

When was the last grammar class that you took? How is your spelling? I ask this because there are many of you out there that have no clue about what you are doing when it comes to the basic conventions of the English language. What makes it worse, is that for many, you are out there advising others on these rules.

Please, STOP!!!!

Essentially, what you are doing would be the same as me trying to tell someone how to fix a car. I have no idea what I am doing, and I certainly am not an expert.

I want to take this one step further. Many of you are using grammar checkers and spell checkers to fix your errors. Again, this is a big mistake, especially in the case of grammar checkers.

Grammar checkers are only looking for things that might potentially be a problem. This does not mean that it is in your case. Along the same lines, they only suggest possible solutions and you have to know the grammar to understand how to fix the issue. Again, you need to know what you are doing.

I bring all of this up because of late, I have had a ton of manuscripts submitted to me that were full of HUGE grammar issues. Now, although I am looking at the story and I understand there are some things that we can fix once I sign a writer, these errors simply tell me the person is far from ready!

Remember also, you only get ONE shot. If you screw it up, unless an editor or agent tells you that you can re-submit, you just lost that one chance.

Please, make it count!